[dew912]

I have the last gen of the elite plasma, the pro1140hd. BEST PURCHASE I HAVE EVER MADE. What I can tell you about the current dillema pioneer is facing, I can say with 100% confidence pioneer is digging it's own grave by pricing them so high. I used to work at a retailer that sold pioneer, and at one point the model I had retailed for 4500, and the store cost was 2950 or so. About a year ago to date, they dropped the price of the 50'' elite to 3000, and the store cost was as low as 1750. I assume they weren't taking a hit on it, even at this price point - and they SOLD LIKE HOT CAKES at 3k, even though they were 720p when a lot of 1080p models were already out (especially LCDs). Retailers, when selling the new elites at full pop, are making about 40% on the retail cost. Most TVs don't sell nearly this high in margin. So, in order to save the elite, and quite possibly plasma technology, Pioneer should lower both their store costs and suggested retail cost. They are priced above their market value - end of discussion. The 50 1080p model should be around 3300, and the 720p should be 2600. Then they would sell. Once again I own one and I think they are BY FAR THE BEST. I prefer my 50'' Elite to my parent's Sony XBR3 LCD (kdl46xbr3) any day of the week - much better picture. However, I would not buy them at the outrageous prices today, the marginal benefit does not outweigh the cost. At last to end my rant, the 720p model I have accepts 1080p/24 and looks better then all 1080p displays I've watched blu-rays on, with the exception of the 1080p elite models.